GREENVILLE — To show support for law enforcement, local business Brenda’s Beanery recently created a fund that allows local policemen, firemen, sheriff’s deputies and highway patrol to get a free drink.
“I don’t think there are a lot of people out there that really appreciate our officers and our firefighters, the first responders, the people that put their lives on the line all the time,” said Brenda Stump, owner. “We’ve had so many negative things about the police officers and all the shootings that have happened, we just thought it would be a good idea to let them know that our community supports them.”
Hero’s Cup, similar to the Caring Coffee, which provides coffee to those who can’t afford it, was started after a customer came up with the idea of donating money so local law enforcement could get a free drink of their choice.
“It’s a wonderful thing,” said Sandy Booher, of Arcanum. “My husband’s father was a volunteer fireman and was killed. No one realizes the time and effort they give. It’s an excellent idea.”
Brenda’s Beanery employee Kathy Weidner said the customer initially started the fund by providing $50, which has grown thanks to several people donating.
“We rely on the customers and their generosity to keep our fund going so as long as we have the funds we can continue to bless them,” Weidner said.
Stump said the next step is to start a Hero’s Cup fund at the Brenda’s Beanery Wayne HealthCare location.
“We’re just really glad that we’re able to do this,” she said. “The people of the community are pretty giving around here, wanting to do something positive to try to offset the negative we’ve heard lately.”
City officials are also showing their support for local law enforcement by dying the water blue in the Greenville fountain located downtown.
“The idea was brought to the mayor back in July by a Greenville resident after a lot of support was shown for it on Facebook,” said Ryan Delk, Greenville street department superintendent. “We thought it was a great idea and we wanted to show our support.”
Delk said there was no date set as to when the blue water at the fountain would end but residents have started a fund in an effort for the city to purchase LGB color changing LED lights. The lights, which would be placed at the fountain, would allow the city to display the fountain in different colors such as pink for Breast Cancer Awareness.
“It’s great that we have people in our community that support others,” Delk said.
